Apparatus for a convenient and comfortable cursor control device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a cursor control device to be used in conjunction with a computer, receiver or other processing unit that allows for convenient and comfortable use while being hand held or while resting on the desk-top. The cursor control device being comprised of a body with a shape for fitting in a user hand so a user can operate the cursor control device in hand held and desk-top uses. The body also being comprised of a cursor control, at least one button, and having a control circuit inside the body, which is connected to at least one button and the cursor control. The device further having a communication link connectable between said control circuit and a processing unit.

This is a continuation-in-part of application entitled “Cursor controldevice for convenient and ergonomic hand held or work surface use”, Ser.No. 09/489,796, on Jan. 24, 2000, and a continuation-in-part ofapplication entitled “Cursor control device for convenient and ergonomichand held or work surface use”, Ser. No. 09/379,646; filed on Aug. 23,1999, all of the foregoing of which are now pending and are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally related to a computer data input tooland, more particularly, is related to an apparatus for providing controlof a computer cursor which can be used conveniently and comfortablywhile resting on a flat work surface or while being held in the user'shand.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Generally, every computer sold today comes with some type of a cursorcontrol device. The most popular of these devices is the mouse, whichhas become the ubiquitous symbol of modem computing. Other such devicesare the trackball, touchpad, isometric post and navigation dome.

Originally, computers were primarily driven by the user entering text;thus, the cursor control device was secondary to the keyboard. Then, andstill today, the keyboard occupied the prominent position at theworkstation with the cursor control device laying to the side of thekeyboard for convenient intermittent use.

With the advent and introduction of the graphical user interface (GUI),though, today's computers are driven much more by the cursor controldevice than ever before. Almost every computer has a GUI operatingsystem, such as Microsoft Windows, MacOS, or Corel Linux, and virtuallyevery computer application is a GUI, as is the World Wide Web (“WWW”).Since use of a GUI is heavily dependent upon the “pointing and clicking”technique accomplished by a cursor control device (as opposed to merelythe entry of text through the keyboard) the importance of cursor controldevices to computer use has increased tremendously. In fact, researchdirected by Peter W. Johnson of the University of California at SanFrancisco Ergonomics Lab, concluded that for the average user the cursorcontrol device is utilized for one-third to two-thirds of the workingtime on a computer. However, as discussed below, today's cursor controldevices suffer many deficiencies considering the use now required ofthem.

Considering each device separately, a mouse is a substantially immobiledevice, which generally includes a ball that depends from its undersideand rests upon a flat work surface. The ball is rotated while in contactwith the work surface by movement of the mouse which causes acorresponding movement of the cursor on the computer screen. Because themouse depends on the flat work surface, the mouse must be used whilelaying on the desktop.

Being able to use it only on the desktop is a major deficiency. To reachand operate the mouse, the user must lean forward from his or her seatedposition, bend his or her arm at the elbow, forwardly extend his or herforearm, wrist, and hand and keep this rigid position the entire timethe device is being used. Maintaining this “frozen” position for even ashort time is uncomfortable, tires the user's back, and muscles of theshoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand, and can ultimately lead torepetitive stress injuries (RSIs). This is particularly true since themouse is now used for such prolonged periods of time. Also, because ofdiscomfort, users are forced to take frequent breaks, which decreasesproductivity.

Mice suffer further deficiencies in that they force the user's hand intoan unnatural prone or palm-down position. (See FIG. 1). Furthermore,actuating the buttons on mice causes hand fatigue since the buttonstypically require the unnatural downward pressing of the user's fingers(See FIG. 1), as opposed to the more natural inward flexing of thefinger or fingertip. The longer the mouse is used, the more pronouncedare its deficiencies.

Another deficiency of mice is that they necessitate a certain amount ofavailable work surface space upon which to move. Also, having to restthe mouse on the desktop is also problematic because the work surfacemay be at an uncomfortable height for the user.

Mice also typically require mouse pads which are used to cover thedesktop to provide a prime surface area over which to move the mouse.Mouse pads are awkward in that they are relatively small and thus limitthe space for movement of the mouse. This is particularly problematic aslarger screens become popular because the mouse must traverse a greaterdistance in order to effectuate movement of the cursor across the largerscreen. Furthermore, mouse pads tend to wear quickly and gather dustthat ends up collecting on the ball and interfering with mousefunctions. Mouse pads are also troublesome since they consume space onan already limited desktop and can interfere with placement of thekeyboard at the workstation.

In addition to these inherent deficiencies and inadequacies of mice,mice cannot generally be used while being hand held, mainly because theball is on the underside of the body. In that position, the user cannoteasily or comfortably manipulate the ball nor can the buttons, which areon the topside of the mouse, be simultaneously actuated. Also, oncepressure is applied to the ball by the user, or once the device isturned at an inverted angler, it recedes into the body of the device,beyond the user' reach. In short, not only do mice suffer several majordeficiencies in comfort, convenience and practicality, but they are alsonot suitable for hand held use.

A trackball is another type of cursor control device and is somewhatanalogous to an upside mouse that houses a ball that protrudes throughthe top of the trackball body and is manipulated by the user's fingers,hand or thumb. As with mice, rotation of the ball causes a correspondingmovement of the cursor on the computer screen. Trackballs, also likemice, are dependent upon the desktop, thus, the problems associated withmice, discussed above, also exist with trackballs. Namely, sincetrackballs depend on the desktop, the user must maintain a frozen, rigidposition to operate the trackball, thereby increasing the likelihood offeeling pain, discomfort or incurring a RSI particularly duringprolonged use. Also, because the user must maintain this position, he orshe must take frequent breaks which reduces productivity. Trackballsalso require a certain amount of available space on the desktop.

Furthermore, most trackballs are not suitable for hand held use becausethe bodies and balls are generally too large to be hand held and becausethe balls and buttons are not aligned such that they could be activatedsimultaneously.

Some trackballs, though, are intended (though not ideal) for hand helduse. However, these trackballs are deficient in that they are not ableto be used while laying on the desktop. An attempt to use a hand heldtrackball, which have been designed similar to television remotecontrols, while it is laying on the desktop fails for several reasons.First, many of these trackballs have buttons on their underside which,to activate, would require the user's fingers to wrap around his or herfingers under the device, preventing the device from lying flat on thework surface. Furthermore, even if those devices had buttons on the top,the buttons and the ball would not be aligned for comfortable orconvenient operation if laying on the work surface. This problem occursmainly because the buttons are parallel with one another, as opposed tomirroring the position of the human thumb in relation to other fingers.Moreover, these trackballs are generally not suitable for use on thedesktop because during such use the user's wrist would be forced into anunnatural downward and prone position instead of the preferred neutralposition. Other trackball devices meant for hand held use are notsuitable for use while resting on the desktop because they are typicallytoo small. Therefore, as can be seen, trackballs which are meant forhand held use suffer a major deficiency in that they are not suitablefor use while laying on the desktop.

Another type of cursor control device being used and sold today is atouchpad which is a flat, immobile base having a touch-sensitivemembranous sensor pad on its top-surface. When a portion of the pad istouched it either mechanically depresses or registers a change intemperature effected by the user's finger to sense the location on thepad with which the user made contact. Circuitry within the touchpadtranslates the sensed location into a command to the computer to controlthe location of the cursor on the computer screen.

Touchpads, like mice, are dependent upon the desktop. Thus, thedeficiencies of mice discussed above apply equally to touchpads. Namely,the user must maintain a rigid, frozen position which causes pain anddiscomfort and, over an extended period of time, RSI. This is aggravatedif the desktop is at an uncomfortable height for the user. Also, withtouchpads to activate a button, the user must put unnatural downwardpressure with his or her finger, instead of a more natural inwardflexing. Likewise, touchpads are not suitable for hand held because theyare generally embedded into the keyboard or computer itself. Touchpadsare also known to be hypersensitive, thus reacting to environmentalinfluences—such as moisture from a user's finger—causing unintendedcursor movement. They also cannot be used while hand held, because thebuttons are not aligned to allow for simultaneous use with the pad.

A fourth type of cursor control device is the isometric post. Anisometric post is a small force sensing stick, commonly referred to asan “erasure-head,” such as IBM's ® TRACKPOINT™. Isometric posts aretypically situated among the buttons of the keyboard. The isometric postis operated by the user applying directional pressure with a singlefinger on the top of the post causing the transmission of data to thecomputer to control the cursor on the computer screen.

Isometric posts are also dependent upon the desktop and suffer the samedeficiencies as discussed above in connection with mice and touchpads.Isometric posts are likewise not suitable for hand held use as they aretypically embedded in the keyboard of laptop computers. Furthermore,they are too small to be hand held and their buttons are not properlyaligned for convenient or comfortable use.

An additional cursor control device is a navigation dome, which is adirectional button which uses a sensing mechanisms incorporatingnon-contacting magnetic technology. The sensing mechanism is operated bythe user applying directional pressure with a finger. Navigation domes,like mice, touchpads, and isometric posts, are dependent upon thedesktop. Thus, all the deficiencies of mice discussed above applyequally to navigation domes. Namely, the user must maintain anuncomfortable position, make an unnatural downward pressing and placehis or her hand in an inferior palm down position. All this isaggravated when the desktop is at an uncomfortable height. Furthermore,navigation domes are not suitable for hand held because they generallyare embedded into a much larger device which cannot be hand held or havebuttons which are not properly aligned with the dome to allow forconvenient or comfortable hand held use.

The fact that cursor control devices known in the art are inadequate formodern computer use, especially with GUIs, is also shown by cottageindustry of supplemental products meant to ease the aforementioneddiscomfort and infliction of RSI associated with these devices. Wristpads and wrist braces, for example, are meant to support the user'swrist while using the cursor control device, particularly duringprolonged operation because of GUIs. Interestingly, use of thesesupplemental products are now thought to increase the chances ofincurring a RSI since they add more pressure to the user's hand andcause muscle atrophy since the user tends not to use his or her musclesat all while using these products.

Thus, it can be seen that cursor control devices known in the art aregenerally of two types. One type being those intended for use while theyare laying on the desktop, and the other being those intended for handheld use. However, none are convenient or comfortable for both uses.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to addressthe aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The device of the present invention relates generally to a data inputtool and, more specifically, to a device to control a cursor on acomputer, receiver or other processing unit, in which the cursor controldevice can be used conveniently and comfortably while resting on a flatwork surface or while being held in the user's hand. Briefly described,in architecture, the cursor control device is comprised of a body with ashape for fitting in a user hand so a user can operate the cursorcontrol device in hand held and desk-top manners. The body also beingcomprised of a cursor control, at least one button, and having a controlcircuit inside the body which is connected to at least one button andthe cursor control. The device further having a communication linkconnectable between said control circuit and a processing unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like referencenumerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a prior art drawing which shows use of prior art.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the device which shows the device being used ona flat work surface.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of the device which shows the device duringhand held use.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment with the cursorcontrol located in the center of the device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment with thecursor control being located in center of the device with a button onthe side.

FIG. 6a is a top view of an alternative embodiment in which theremovable cursor control device is in a housing in a laptop computer.

FIG. 6b is a top view of the removable cursor control device whenremoved from the housing in a laptop computer.

FIG. 7 is a view of an alternative embodiment with the body of thecursor control device being made of a conforming material duringwork-surface use.

FIG. 8 is a view of an alternative embodiment with the body of thecursor control device being made of a conforming material during handheld use.

FIG. 9 is a view of an alternative embodiment with a touch-sensitivescreen display on the bottom side of the cursor control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with specificreference to the drawings. While the invention will be described inconnection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit it to theembodiment or embodiments disclosed therein. On the contrary, the intentis to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates the cursor controldevice 10 which is generally comprised of a body 11, a cursor control16, and a cable 18. For the purpose of brevity, the cursor controldevice 10 described in this section is a right-handed version. However,it is to be understood that the description shall also apply, in allrespects equally, to the mirror image of the cursor control device 10(i.e., a left-handed version).

The body 11 is shaped so as to comfortably fit in the user's hand with acursor control 16 positioned at about the front corner of the body 11,and may include a swell 26 to fit the user's palm. In this embodiment,the distance from the bottom edge 22 to the cursor control 16 is equalto the approximate length of the average person's thumb. While suchdistance is preferably about 3½ inches, it may also be anywhere between2 to 4 inches, depending on the design. The width of the body 11 is lessthan the width of the average person's hand, about 2 inches, but mayalso be anywhere between 1 to 3 inches depending on the design. Thedevice is about ½ to 1½ inches deep such that it can be comfortably andconveniently held by the user with moderate contraction of the fingersand thumb. Preferably, the body 11 is made of an injection moldedplastic, however, other types of materials are acceptable, such as, butnot limited to, other plastics, durable foam, rubber, neoprene,“bean-bag,” or other malleable material and the like.

The cursor control 16 illustrated in FIG. 2 is a ball. However, thecursor control 16 may be of other types, including, but not limited to,an isometric post, a touchpad, a navigation dome, and the like. With thecursor control 16 as a ball, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the ballprotrudes above the body 11 with the remaining portion inside the body11. The cursor control 16 as a ball is preferably made of a smooth, hardplastic, as is known in the art. However, the ball may also be made of amore tactical material to prevent inadvertent slippage. Preferably, thecursor control 16 as a ball is as large as possible to give the useraccurate control over the cursor during both hand held and desktop usebut is limited so that it can be easily and comfortably manipulated bythe user's thumb and minimizes the amount of weight added to the device10. Spring loaded mechanisms (not shown) inside the body 11 urge thecursor control 16 as a ball upward, partially through the top of thebody 11, preventing the ball from receding into the body 11. The size ofthe cursor control 16 as a ball as shown in FIG. 2 is one of varioussizes that may be suitable for the cursor control device 10.

Also illustrated in FIG. 2 are buttons used to send data to thecomputer, receiver or other processing unit: a left button 12 and aright button 14 which are disposed towards the forward top of the body11 and slope downward along the body's 11 frontal curvature 20. Thebuttons 12 and 14 are angled so as to align the user's thumb with thecursor control 16 and allow the ulnar fingers to occupy the side of thebody 11 opposite the cursor control 16.

The distance between the left button 12 and the cursor control 16 is theapproximate width between the upper portions of the average user's thumband index finger when held in a natural position. While such distance onthe body 11 is approximately ½ inch, it may be anywhere between ¼ to 1inch, depending on the design. The width of each button 12 and 14 isslightly greater than the width of the average person's finger such thatwhen the user's finger rests on or activates one of the buttons 12 and14 the entire width of the finger is accommodated. While such distanceis preferably about 1 inch, it may be anywhere between ¼ to 1½ inches,depending on the design. The top of each button 12 and 14 may beslightly concave so as to accommodate the user's finger and increase theconvenience and comfort of use.

While the buttons 12 and 14 offer sufficient resistance such that theuser's fingers may touch the buttons 12 and 14 without inadvertentlyactivating the buttons 12 and 14, the buttons 12 and 14 are sensitiveenough to allow for easy actuation. Also, because the buttons 12 and 14occupy the frontal curvature 20 of the body 11 the buttons 12 and 14 canbe activated by the inward flexing of the user's finger or fingertip,unlike ordinary mice which require a downward pressing as illustrated inFIG. 1.

The cursor control device 10 may include a cable 18 fixed in a singleposition, preferably centered on the bottom end of the body 11 toprovide power for the cursor control device 10. The cable 18 can alsoconnect the cursor control device 10 with a computer, receiver or otherprocessing unit for transmission of data. Because the cursor controldevice 10 is capable of being used while the user's arm moves freelyabout, the cable 18 may be longer than the six-foot cable 18 typicallyfound in the art.

Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is a scroll wheel 56 disposed between thebuttons 12 and 14. The scroll wheel 56 consists of a spring-loadedsupplementary control in the body for the device to generate additionaldata to be transmitted to the computer, receiver or other processingunit to specifically control the rate and direction of scrolling. Thelocation of the scroll wheel 56 in FIG. 2 is one of several locationsthat may be suitable for convenient and comfortable use.

FIG. 3 illustrates the cursor control device 10 being used while handheld. While because of the size and shape of the cursor control device10 the cursor control device 10 can be conveniently and comfortablyheld, one feature which can be included to assist in the operation ofthe cursor control device 10 when being hand held is a detachable strap38. The user can wrap the detachable strap 38 around the topside of hisor her hand to firmly attach the cursor control device 10 to the user'shand. This allows the cursor control device 10 to be used without havingto be grasped.

FIG. 3 also illustrates a narrow collar 54 surrounding the cursorcontrol 16 as a ball that permits access to the ball and internal partsof the device 10, particularly for cleaning. The narrow collar 54 may beremovable or unremovable depending on manufacturing methods.

The cursor control device 10 functions with cursor control 16, thebuttons 12 and 14, and the cable 18 being connected to a control circuit58. As the cursor control 16 is manipulated and buttons 12 and 14 areactivated by the user, it transmits data through the control circuit 58to the computer, receiver or other processing unit.

Further illustrated in FIG. 3, is an embodiment of the cursor controldevice 10 including numerous concave keys 60 located on the bottom ofthe cursor control device 10 for sending additional data from the cursorcontrol device 10 to the computer, receiver or other processing unit.These keys 60 may be used for volume control, channel setting and on/offfunctions, such as for computer based television programming orInternet-enabled televisions. These keys 60 may also be made to allowthe user to enter text into a computer, similar to a keyboard. The keys60 to be depressed by the user's finger or a small pen.

FIG. 9 shows a touch-sensitive display screen 64 included on the bottomside of the cursor control device 10, instead of numerous concavebuttons 60. The touch-sensitive display screen 64 to be used to sendadditional data from the cursor control device 10 to the computer,receiver or other processing unit. The touch-sensitive display screen 64to be slightly recessed in the body so not to be inadvertently activatedwhen the device is laying on the work surface.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is the location of the cursor control 16 at thecenter, forward portion of the body 11. In FIG. 4 the cursor control 16shown is a navigation dome, though the cursor control 16 may be any ofthe types previously described and the like. In this location, thecursor control 16 is operated by the user's index or middle finger,depending on his or her preference. Also in this embodiment, a button 12may be located on the side of the body 11 for activation by the thumb ofuser. In an alternative embodiment, one or both buttons 12 and 14 mayexist and might cause the cursor control 16 to shift slightly.

Still referring to FIG. 4, another alternative embodiment occurs withthe cursor control device 10 having one or more slight grooves 55 on theside opposite the cursor control 16. These groves 55 accommodate theuser's ulnar fingers and work to align the user's hand for easy andcomfortable activation of the cursor control 16 and the buttons 12 or14.

In another alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cable18 is positioned slightly off from the center of the body 11 so as tofit in the crevice of the user's palm. As another alternative, the cable18 can be positioned at the top of the cursor control device 10 at thefrontal curvature 20 between buttons 12 and 14 so as not to interferewith free use of the cursor control device 10.

Illustrated in FIG. 5 is the cursor control device 10 with a thumb self40 upon which the user may rest his or her thumb when the thumb is notbeing used to manipulate the cursor control 16 or depress a button 12 or14. The user may use a detachable ring 36 to wrap around the user'sfinger so that the cursor control device 10 can be used while hand heldwithout having to be grasped.

Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is an alternative wireless embodiment of thecursor control device 10 which contains a transparent shade 48 throughwhich infra-red or radio frequencies can be transmitted to a computer,receiver or other processing unit. Such an embodiment would also containa housing and door for batteries (not shown) for electrical power. Sucha housing and door could be located on the bottom or either side of thebody 11. The cursor control device 10 is not limited to these or anyparticular wireless technique, but can be made to incorporate differentand new technology as would best effectuate the objects of the cursorcontrol device 10.

Illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6 b is an alternative embodiment of thecursor control device 10 using locking mechanisms 46 a and 46 b tosecure the device 10 into a housing in a laptop computer. In thisembodiment the cursor control device 10 can be used in a desktop manner(FIG. 6a) or, by removing the cursor control device 10 from the housing,in a hand held manner (FIG. 6b). The locking mechanisms 46 a and 46 bconsists of electronic circuitry through which the cursor control device10 sends data to the laptop computer when placed in the housing (FIG.6a). A wireless technique or cable 18 (FIG. 2) may be used to transmitdata to laptop computer when the cursor control device 10 is removedfrom the housing (FIG. 6b). In this embodiment, the body 11 may besmaller than previously described so as to be able to fit into the baseof the laptop computer.

Illustrated in FIGS. 7 and FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the cursor controldevice 10 in which the body 11 is made of a hand conforming material,such as plastic, durable foam, rubber, neoprene, “bean-bag,” or othermalleable material and the like which would adjust to the shape of theuser's hand as it is held. In this embodiment, the cursor control device10 could be used while resting on the desktop (as shown in FIG. 7) orwhile being hand held (FIG. 8). FIGS. 7 and 8 further illustrate anembodiment of the cursor control device 10 in which the cursor control16 is an isometric post, though the cursor control 16 in this embodimentmay be any of the types previously described and the like.

The cursor control device 10 provides a design for convenient andcomfortable hand held or desktop use. The cursor control device 10produces a new different function from other cursor control devices inthat it allows for both hand held and desktop use in a convenient andcomfortable manner. During work surface use, as shown in FIG. 2, thecursor control device 10 consumes very little desktop space and needs noadditional space for movement and so can be used when there is no orinsufficient area on the desktop. It also obviates the need for a primework surface, thus making mousepads unnecessary. During hand held use,as shown in FIG. 3, the cursor control device 10 allows the usercomplete freedom of hand, arm and body movement.

The ability to use the cursor control device 10 while hand held or whileon the desktop is ideal for reducing fatigue in the user's arm andallowing the user the greatest freedom of movement, which reduces RSIsassociated with use of cursor control devices. Because movement of thecursor using the cursor control device 10 is achieved using the fingeror thumb, the user can, at all times, keep his or her hand and arm stillor in any position desired. Also, when the cursor control device 10 isbeing used in a hand held manner no button needs to be pressed to begincursor movement or to alternate between desktop and hand held uses.Also, movement of the cursor is controlled by the user's finger or thumbwhich is best suited for the fine motor control needed over the cursor.

The cursor control device 10 can be used to fully control the cursor nomatter what position the cursor control device 10 is held such that theposition of the device 10 need not correlate with the direction thecursor is moved. The cursor control device 10 weighs approximately 1 to3 ounces, which is light enough so as not to strain the user's arm orhand during prolonged use. When the desktop is at an uncomfortableheight, the user can simply place the cursor control device 10 in his orhand.

Because the user can hold his or her hand in any position during use ofthe cursor control device 10, the need for breaks to rest his or her armis eliminated. Moreover, because of this total freedom of movement, thecursor control device 10 can be used in the natural neutral handposition, instead of the unnatural palm-down position, even when theuser chooses to rest his or hand on the desktop.

It should now be understood that what has been disclosed hereincomprises a novel cursor control device 10. Those having skill in theart, to which the cursor control device 10 pertains, will now, as aresult of the applicant's teachings herein, perceive variousmodifications and additions which may be made to the cursor controldevice 10. For example, the features described herein may be altered oromitted in varying ways while achieving the listed benefits. The cursorcontrol device 10 may also be scaled to a smaller size to be suitablefor use by children, or for traveling, can be customized to fit into anindividual users hand, and can be made in various colors. It is intendedthat all such additional features and advantages be included hereinwithin the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, the scope of the cursor control device 10 should bedetermined not by the embodiment illustrated, but by the appended claimsand their legal equivalents. All such modifications and additions aredeemed to be within the scope of the invention which is to be limitedonly by the claims appended herein. It is to be understood that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not includedas any limitation of the scope of the cursor control device 10.

I claim:
 1. A cursor control device comprising: a body with a shape forfitting in a user hand so a user can operate said cursor control devicein desk-top and off the desk-top manners; a cursor control on said body;at least one button on said body; a control circuit inside said bodyconnected to said at least one button and said cursor control; acommunication link connectable between said control circuit and aprocessing unit; and a plurality of touch-sensitive input keys on bottomof said body.
 2. A cursor control device comprising: a body with a shapefor fitting in a user hand so a user can operate said cursor controldevice in desk-top and off the desk-top manners; a cursor control onsaid body; at least one button on said body; a control circuit insidesaid body connected to said at least one button and said cursor control;a communication link connectable between said control circuit and aprocessing unit; and a touch-sensitive display screen on bottom of saidbody.